Fibre Monitoring Apparatus and Method

ABSTRACT

An electric field sensor comprises an insulating substrate, a plurality of non-contacting electrodes disposed on the substrate, and a plurality of conductors coupled to the electrodes, and extending transversely through the substrate. The electrodes comprise a first electrode portion, and a second electrode portion interlaced with the first electrode portion. The conductors comprise a first conductor portion and a second conductor portion. The first portion of the conductors are coupled to the first electrode portion. The second portion of the conductors are coupled to the second electrode portion.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation, and claims priority of thefiling date, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/883,569, entitledFIBRE MONITORING APPARATUS AND METHOD, filed Jun. 30, 2004, andpresently pending, the entire disclosure of which is hereby expresslyincorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This patent application relates to a mechanism for monitoring theproduction of multiple-filament fibre. In particular, this patentapplication relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring thephysical characteristics of multi-filament fibre in real-time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In textile production, synthetic fibres are formed from a “spin-draw”process in which a molten polymer, such as polyester or nylon, is spuninto filaments, and twisted together to form a single fibre. The spunfibre is then drawn, altering the fibre's elasticity, tensile strengthand diameter. During the process, typically a liquid emulsion or“finish” is applied to the fibre to lubricate the filaments and therebyreduce static electricity generated by the movement of the fibre throughprocessing machinery. Further, interlacing nodes are typically formed inthe fibre by exposing the drawn fibre to a pressurized air jet, therebybonding the individual filaments together at periodic intervals alongthe fibre.

Lack of uniformity in fibre bulk, finish, denier, or interlacing nodedistribution can cause fibre entanglement or breakage, or irregularitiesin fibre coloration during the weaving process, resulting in costlyproduction-line shutdowns for the end-user. Accordingly, attempts havebeen made to monitor the physical characteristics of fibre in real-time,as it is being produced, to identify defects in the fibre before it isshipped to the end-user.

For instance, Fabbri (U.S. Pat. No. 4,706,014) and Meyer (U.S. Pat. No.5,394,096) use a capacitive sensor to respectively measure the diameterand denier of a polymer fibre. However, capacitive sensors can onlydetect large variations in denier. Further, it is not possible tomonitor other fibre characteristics of importance to textile users, suchas finish, bulk, node count and node quality, using a capacitive sensor.

Sakai (U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,831) uses a phototransistor to detect yarnirregularities. The phototransistor generates an analog signal inresponse to yarn unevenness. The analog signal is digitized, and thensubjected to real-time frequency analysis, to thereby detect both cyclicand non-cyclic yarn irregularities. However, it is not possible tomonitor other fibre characteristics of importance to textile users, suchas finish, bulk, node count and node quality, using a phototransistor.

Felix (U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,944) monitors a pair of process parameters,such as yarn tension and speed, to detect changes in denier, filamentbreakage, and absence of finish. However, using the disclosed monitoredparameters, it would not be possible to monitor other fibrecharacteristics of importance to textile users, such as bulk, node countand node quality.

Instrumar Ltd. (CA 2,254,426) uses an electric field sensor formeasuring physical fibre characteristics in real-time. Changes in thephysical characteristics of a fibre as it is drawn past the sensorcauses a current to be induced in the electrode. Comparing the changesin magnitude and phase of the induced current against known fibreprofiles allows Instrumar to monitor the denier, finish and interlacingof the drawn fibre in real-time. However, the electrode is sensitive tochanges in electric field adjacent to the fibre, thereby reducing thesensitivity of the sensor to the desired fibre characteristics. Further,it is not possible to monitor other fibre characteristics of importanceto textile users, such as bulk and node quality, using the describedsensor measurements.

Therefore, there remains a need for an improved mechanism for monitoringthe physical characteristics of multiple-filament fibre in real-time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of this disclosure, there is provided acomputer-based fibre production monitoring system comprising at leastone sensor, and a computer server in communication with the at least onesensor. The sensor is configured to provide an indication of at leastone physical characteristic of a fibre as it is drawn past the sensor ona threadline and wound onto a bobbin. The computer server is configuredto provide an analysis of the at least one physical characteristic on aper-threadline (and/or per-bobbin) basis from the indication.

In accordance with one implementation, the fibre production monitoringsystem also includes a measurements database for retaining theindications, and the computer server is configured to provide ahistorical account of the analysis of at least one physicalcharacteristic. The computer server is also configured to compare eachindication against a process limit established for the physicalcharacteristic, and to activate an alarm in accordance with a deviationof each indication from the associated process limit. In one variation,the computer server is configured to compare each indication against arespective process limit established for each physical characteristic,and to activate an alarm in accordance with a deviation of at least twoof the indications from the associated process limits.

Preferably, the indications comprise periodic measurements of thephysical characteristic, and the sensor is configured to locally bufferthe measurements taken, and to transmit the buffered measurements to thecomputer server upon receipt of a data request from the computer server.Further, preferably the sensor comprises an electric field sensor, and asensor processing unit coupled to the electric field sensor, and thesensor processing unit is configured to provide the at least onemeasurement by monitoring an amplitude of a current signal induced inthe electric field sensor as the fibre is drawn past the electric fieldsensor.

According to a second aspect of this disclosure, there is provided anelectric field sensor that comprises an insulating substrate; aplurality of non-contacting electrodes disposed on the substrate; and aplurality of conductors coupled to the electrodes, and extendingtransversely through the substrate. Preferably, the electric fieldsensor also includes an insulator disposed over the electrodes, and theelectrodes comprise a first electrode portion and a second electrodeportion interlaced with the first electrode portion. The conductorscomprise a first conductor portion and a second conductor portion, thefirst portion of the conductors being coupled to the first electrodeportion, the second portion of the conductors being coupled to thesecond electrode portion. The insulator comprises ceramic or glass, withalumina being the preferred ceramic. Further, the electrodes aredisposed parallel to each other on the substrate, and the conductorscomprise vias that extend at a right angle to the electrodes.

According to a third aspect of this disclosure, there is provided acomputer-based method of monitoring the production of fibre involvingthe steps of: (1) receiving data at a computer server, each said datumbeing associated with a threadline and including an indication of atleast one physical characteristic of a fibre as it is drawn past asensor on the threadline and wound onto a bobbin; and (2) providing ananalysis of the at least one physical characteristic on a per-threadlinebasis (and/or per bobbin-basis) from the indication.

In accordance with one implementation, the computer server includes anarchive for retaining the indication, and the analysis providing stepcomprises providing a historical account of the analysis of the at leastone physical characteristic. The computer server compares eachindication against a process limit established for the physicalcharacteristic; and activates an alarm in accordance with a deviation ofeach indication from the associated process limit. In one variation,each data packet includes a plurality of the indications, eachindication being associated with a respective one of the physicalcharacteristics, and the receiving step comprises the steps of (i) atthe computer server, comparing each indication against a respectiveprocess limit established for each physical characteristic; and (ii)activating an alarm in accordance with a deviation of at least two ofthe indications from the associated process limits.

According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, there is provided acomputer-based method of monitoring the production of fibre on athreadline, the method comprising the steps of: (1) monitoring anamplitude of a current signal induced in an electric field sensor by afibre drawn past the sensor; (2) detecting peaks and troughs in thecurrent signal from measurements of the amplitude; and (3) determining aphysical property of the fibre from the detected peaks and troughs.

In accordance with one implementation, the detecting step comprises thesteps of (i) identifying local amplitude minimums and maximums from theamplitude measurements; (ii) calculating heights of the local maximumsrelative to the local minimums; and (iii) excluding those of the localmaximums having an associated calculated height less than apredetermined threshold.

Typically, each of the non-excluded local maximums precedes one of thelocal minimums by a respective time period, and the method alsocomprises the steps: (iv) excluding those of the non-excluded localmaximums having an associated time period greater than a thresholdmaximum time; (v) excluding those of the non-excluded local maximumshaving an associated time period less than a threshold minimum time; and(vi) retaining remaining ones of the non-excluded local maximums.

In one variation, the physical property to be determined is node count,and the physical property determining step comprises the steps of: (a)segmenting the amplitude measurements into time spans; and (b) for eachsaid time span, calculating a respective node count from the associatedretained local maximums. In another variation, the physical property isnode quality, and the physical property determining step comprises foreach said time span calculating an average of the associated heightsover the associated node count.

According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, there is provided acomputer-based method of monitoring the production of fibre on athreadline, the method comprising the steps of: (1) monitoring an outputof an electric field sensor disposed on a threadline; (2) detecting thepresence of a fibre being drawn past the sensor from an increase in oneof an average current, a steady state noise and a node count measured bythe electric field sensor; and (3) detecting a break in the fibre from adecrease in the average current, the node count, and a transient noisemeasured by the electric field sensor, the decreases and the transientnoise overlapping in time.

In accordance with one implementation, the average current is determinedby detecting peaks in amplitude of a current induced in the electricfield sensor, and calculating an average of the amplitude. The averageamplitude is calculated by segmenting the peaks into time spans, andcalculating a mean value for an average of the magnitude of the peaksover each said time span. The noise is determined by detecting peaks inamplitude of a current induced in the electric field sensor, segmentingthe peaks into time spans, and summing the magnitude of the peaks overeach said time span. The node count is determined by detecting peaks inamplitude of a current induced in the electric field sensor, andcalculating a node count from the detected peaks. The node count iscalculated by segmenting the peaks into time spans, and counting thepeaks for each said time span.

According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, there is provided acomputer-based method of monitoring the production of fibre on athreadline, the method comprising the steps of: (1) monitoring an outputof a plurality of electric field sensors each disposed on a respectiveone of a plurality of threadlines, each said threadline carrying amulti-filament fibre; and (2) from a change in amplitude of a currentsignal induced in the electric field sensors as each said fibre is drawnpast the respective electric field sensor, detecting the presence of afilament from one of the threadlines in the fibre of another one of thethreadlines.

In accordance with one implementation, the presence of a filament isdetected by monitoring for a positive change in the amplitude on the onethreadline, and monitoring for a negative change in the amplitude on theother threadline.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects will now be described in detail, by way of exampleonly, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the computer-based fibre productionmonitoring system, depicting the sensors, the sensor monitor, thecomputer server and the measurements database;

FIG. 2 a is a schematic view of one of the sensors (an electric fieldsensor) depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 b is a top plan view of the electric field sensor depicted inFIG. 2 a;

FIGS. 2 c and 2 d are transverse cross-sectional views of the electricfield sensor;

FIG. 3 a is a schematic view of the structure of the data packet createdby the sensor processing unit;

FIG. 3 b is a schematic view of the structure of the data record createdby the sensor monitor;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the structure of the computer server,depicting the software executed thereon;

FIG. 5 is a flow-chart depicting generally the method of operation ofthe fibre production monitoring system;

FIG. 6 is a flow-chart depicting the method of operation of the fibreproduction monitoring system in detail, with FIG. 6 a depicting thesteps performed by the sensor processing unit and the sensor monitor,and with FIG. 6 b depicting the steps performed concurrently by thecomputer server;

FIG. 7 a is a waveform depicting the variation in the magnitude of theinduced current with respect to interlacing node location;

FIGS. 7 b and 7 c together comprise a flow-chart depicting the method ofdetermining node count and node quality with the fibre productionmonitoring system;

FIG. 8 (comprising FIGS. 8 a to 8 e) is a flow-chart depicting themethod of determining thread presence with the fibre productionmonitoring system; and

FIG. 9 (comprising FIGS. 9 a and 9 b) is a flow-chart depicting themethod of determining cross-over events with the fibre productionmonitoring system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 1. Fibre ProductionMonitoring System Overview

Turning now to FIG. 1, there is shown a computer-based fibre productionmonitoring system, denoted generally as 100, comprising a plurality ofsensors 200, a sensor monitor 300, a computer server 400, a local areanetwork 102 interconnecting the sensors 200 and the sensor monitor 300,and a communications network 104 interconnecting the sensor monitor 300and the computer server 400. Optionally, the fibre production monitoringsystem 100 includes a measurements database 450 resident on the computerserver 400; a personal computer 480; and a communications network 110interconnecting the computer server 400 and the personal computer 480.

Preferably, the local area network 102 comprises a DeviceNet bus,although other network protocols may be used. Preferably thecommunications network 104 comprises a wired local area Ethernetnetwork. However, the communications network 104 can also utilize othernetwork protocols, and can comprise a wide area network, or a wirelessnetwork. Further, although the fibre production monitoring system 100 isshown including a number of sensors 200, the fibre production monitoringsystem 100 need only include a single sensor 200.

Preferably, the communications 110 is a local area Ethernet network,although the invention is not so limited.

2. Sensor

Each sensor 200 is typically disposed on a threadline of multi-bobbinfibre production line. The multi-bobbin fibre production line has anumber of spinnerettes, each producing several filaments from a moltenpolymer. The filaments are then stretched, and combined into a number ofmulti-filament fibres. The filaments are also exposed to a continuousair jet, which form interlacing nodes in the fibre, thereby bonding thefilaments together in a single fibre. Each fibre is then wound on arespective bobbin.

Each sensor 200 is configured to monitor the physical characteristics ofa number of the multi-filament fibres, as the fibres are drawn past thesensor 200, prior to being wound on the bobbin. As shown in FIG. 2 a,preferably the sensor 200 comprises a plurality of electric fieldsensors 202 (depicted as 202 a, 202 b, 202 c, 202 d), and a sensorprocessing unit (SPU) 204 coupled to the electric field sensors 202.Each electric field sensor 202 monitors the physical characteristics ofone of the multi-filament fibres. However, as will be appreciated, thesensor 200 need not include several electric field sensors 202, butinstead could include only a single electric field sensor 202. Further,although each sensor 202 is preferably an electric field sensor, otherforms of sensors that are capable of monitoring the physicalcharacteristics of the fibres can be used.

As shown in FIGS. 2 b, 2 c and 2 d, each electric field sensor 202comprises an insulating substrate 206, a plurality of electrodes 208disposed on the substrate 206, and a plurality of vias 210 extendingdownwardly through the substrate 206. Preferably, the substrate 206comprises a non-conductive material, such as ceramic, although othernon-conductive materials may be used. Also, preferably the electrodes208 are substantially planar and are formed on the substrate 206 usingconventional printed circuit board or integrated circuit manufacturingtechniques. The electrodes 208 extend across the top surface of thesubstrate 206 in a substantially parallel fashion, such that theelectrodes 208 do not contact one another on the top surface of thesubstrate 206.

The electrodes 208 are segregated into a first electrode portion 208 a,and a second electrode portion 208 b. The electrodes 208 of the firstelectrode portion 208 a extend from one end 212 a of the substrate 206,and the electrodes 208 of the second electrode portion 208 b extend fromthe opposite end 212 b of the substrate 206. The electrodes 208 of thefirst electrode portion 208 a are interlaced with the electrodes 208 ofthe second electrode portion 208 b in the centre region 214 of the topsurface of the substrate 206.

Typically, each via 210 comprises a plated through-hole extending fromone end of a respective electrode 208, through the substrate 206, to thebottom 218 of the sensor 202. Alternately, the vias 210 may be providedas conductive traces or wires extending in a similar manner. The vias210 are segregated into a first via portion 210 a, and a second viaportion 210 b. The vias 210 of the first via portion 210 a are coupledto the first electrode portion 208 a, and the vias 210 of the second viaportion 210 b are coupled to the second electrode portion 208 b. Eachvia 210 is connected to a respective electrode 208 adjacent therespective end 212, and extends at a right angle from the electrode 208through the substrate 206, from the top surface thereof to the bottomsurface 218 thereof. With this configuration, the sensitivity of theelectric field sensor 202 to electric fields outside the centre region214 is less than prior art electric field sensors.

The electric field sensor 202 preferably also includes an insulatorlayer 216 disposed over the electrodes 208. Typically, the insulatorlayer 216 comprises ceramic or glass, although the ceramic alumina ispreferred due to its hardness. Preferably, the electric field sensor 202includes guides (not shown) extending upwards from the insulator layer216, within the centre region 214, which guide the drawn fibre in adirection transverse to the orientation to the electrodes 208. Thesensor processing unit (SPU) 204 includes a number of data buses, eachconnected to the vias 210 of a respective one of the electric fieldsensors 202. Each via 210 connects to a respective conductor of the databuses at the bottom 216 of the sensor 202. The SPU 204 applies arespective sinusoidal voltage signal to the electrode portions 208, withthe voltage signal applied to the first electrode portion 208 a beingcomplementary (i.e. 180 degrees out of phase) to the voltage signalapplied to the second electrode portion 208 b. The SPU 204 also monitorsthe current induced in each electric field sensor 202, as the associatedfibres are drawn past the electric field sensors 202. The SPU 204includes an internal A/D converter that periodically digitizes thecurrent measurements from the associated electric field sensors 202.Based on the current measurements, the SPU 204 creates a data packet 250(see FIG. 3 a) that includes a series of measurements of physicalcharacteristics of the fibre as it is drawn past the electric fieldsensor 202.

As shown in FIG. 3 a, each data packet 250 includes a series ofmagnitude measurements and a series of phase measurements, measured overa predetermined measurement time span. The SPU 204 derives the magnitudeand phase measurements by referencing the magnitude and phase of thecurrent induced in the sensor 202 respectively to the magnitude andphase of the applied sensor voltage. In effect, then, the magnitudemeasurements included with each data packet 250 are admittancemeasurements. However, for ease of reference, the magnitude (admittance)measurements included with each data packet 250 will be referred tohereinafter as current magnitude measurements; and the phasemeasurements included with each data packet 250 will be referred tohereinafter as current phase measurements.

In addition to the magnitude measurements and the phase measurements,each data packet 250 includes a node count of the number interlacingnodes encountered by the associated electric field sensor 202 within themeasurement time span, and a measurement of the node quality of thosenodes. The data packet 250 also includes a Built-In-Test (BIT) datumthat identifies the status of the SPU 204. Further, as discussed above,preferably the insulator layer 216 of the electric field sensor 202comprises alumina. However, since alumina increases the sensitivity ofthe electric field sensor 202 to temperature, preferably the data packet250 also includes a measure of the temperature of the electric fieldsensor 202. In addition, the data packet 250 includes a sequence numberthat is generated by the SPU 204.

3. Sensor Monitor

The sensor monitor 300 is coupled to the sensor processing units 204 ofthe sensors 200 via the DeviceNet bus 102. Preferably, the sensormonitor 300 comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC), such as theAllan Bradley Control Logix PLC. Further, preferably the sensor monitor300 includes a DeviceNet scanner that periodically sends out commands tothe sensor processing units 204, requesting data packets 250 from thesensors 200. As will be explained, the sensors 200 provide the sensormonitor 300 with the data packets 250 for the associated threadlines,which the sensor monitor 300 converts into data records 350 (see FIG. 3b) and transmits to the computer server 400 over the communicationsnetwork 104. The DeviceNet scanner includes a response buffer 302(FIG. 1) that is used to store the data packets 250 prior to beingconverted into the data records 350.

Each sensor processing unit 204 is assigned a respective DeviceNetaddress, so that each electric field sensor 202 has a unique logicalsensor address which the sensor monitor 300 uses to identify thethreadline for the data packets 250 received from the sensors 200.Preferably, the sensor processing unit 204 low pass filters the inducedcurrent at a cut-off frequency of 15 kHz, and provides the sensormonitor 300 with the resulting data packets 250 every 200 ms. Other datarates could be used. Further, preferably the DeviceNet scanner sends outdata request commands to the sensors 200 at rate slightly faster thanonce every 200 ms to ensure that data from the sensors 200 is notoverwritten (and lost) at the sensor processing unit 204 prior to beingtransmitted to the sensor monitor 300.

To avoid loss of data at the sensor monitor 300, preferably the sensormonitor 300 includes a circular buffer 304 (FIG. 1) for retaining thedata records 350 until transmitted to the computer server 400. Further,the sensor monitor 300 includes a copy buffer 306 (FIG. 1) which thecomputer server 400 uses to copy data from the sensor monitor 300, and aReady flag 308 (FIG. 1) which the computer server 400 uses to signifythat it is ready to receive data records 350 from the copy buffer 306.

In addition, the sensor monitor 300 includes a first sliding window 310,a second sliding window 312, and a noise monitor 314 (FIG. 1). The firstand second sliding windows 310 each comprise a 25-slot queue that thethread presence algorithm uses to detect the presence of a fibre on athreadline, and line breaks in the fibre. The noise monitor 314comprises a 50-element queue that the thread presence algorithm alsouses to detect the presence of a fibre on a threadline, and line breaksin the fibre.

4. Data Record

As shown in FIG. 3 b, the data record 350 includes an initial header352, a magnitude field 354, a phase field 356, a node count field 358, anode quality field 360, a BIT field 362, a thread presence flag 364, awinder status field 366, a sensor address field 368, a cross-over eventfield 370 and a checksum field 372. The initial header 352 identifiesthe type of data contained in the data record 350. For instance, thedata header 352 might indicate that the data record 350 includes normalsensor data. Alternately, the data header 352 might indicate that thedata record 350 includes data specifically requested by the sensormonitor 300, such as the temperature of the electric field sensor 202.

The magnitude field 354 provides a measure of the amplitude of thecurrent induced in the electric field sensor 202. The phase field 356provides a measure of the phase of the current induced in the electricfield sensor 202, relative to a reference signal (such as the voltageapplied to the electric field sensor 202). The node count field 358provides a measure of the number of interlacing nodes detected within apredetermined length of fibre. The node quality field 360 provides ameasure of the average amplitude. The BIT (Built-in-Test) field 362provides an indication of the status of the electric field sensor 202.For instance, typically the BIT field 362 is a two-byte datum thatindicates whether the temperature of the electric field sensor 202 isout of range, and whether the data measured by the internal A/Dconverter of the sensor processing unit 204 is out of range.

The thread presence flag 364 provides an indication of the presence orabsence of a fibre at the electric field sensor 202. The thread presenceflag 364 may be set using a suitable sensor disposed on the threadline,that is monitored by the sensor monitor 300. Alternately, the threadpresence flag 364 may be set using the threadline presence algorithm,described herein.

The winder status field 366 provides an indication of the status of thebobbin winder, such as whether fiber is going to package or not. Eachwinder includes test circuitry that monitors the status of therespective winder. The sensor monitor 300 monitors the test circuitry ineach winder, and sets the winder status field 366 accordingly.

The sensor address field 368 identifies the logical address of theelectric field sensor 202 from which the associated data in the datarecord 350 originated. The cross-over event field 370 provides anindication that one or more filaments from the fibre on one threadlinehas/have jumped or crossed over to the fibre on another threadline. Thechecksum field 372 includes a checksum, which is generated by the sensormonitor 300, and used by the computer server 400 to verify the integrityof the data record 350.

5. Computer Server

As shown in FIG. 4, the computer server 400 comprises a non-volatilememory (ROM) 402, a volatile memory (RAM) 404, a network interface 406,and a central processing unit (CPU) 408 coupled to the ROM 402, the RAM404, and the network interface 406. The computer server 400 alsoincludes a display device 410 (such as a CRT or LCD panel), and a datainput device 412 (such as a keyboard) coupled to the CPU 408.

The network interface 406 interfaces the computer server 400 with thecommunications network 104, and allows the computer server 400 tocommunicate with the sensor monitor 300. The ROM 402 may be provided asan electronic memory, a magnetic disc and/or an optical disc. The ROM402 includes processing instructions for the computer server 400 which,when loaded into the RAM 404, define a TCP/IP layer 414, a RS Linx layer416, an OPC layer 418, and an application software layer 420.Alternately, the processing instructions may be provided via the networkinterface 104 or a removable computer-readable medium, which, whenaccessed by the CPU 408 define in the RAM 404 one or more of the TCP/IPlayer 414, the RS Linx layer 416, the OPC layer 418, and the applicationsoftware layer 420.

The TCP/IP layer 414 establishes a communications channel between thesensor monitor 300 and the computer server 400 over the communicationsnetwork 104. The RS Linx layer 416 is in communication with the TCP/IPlayer 414, and implements the OPC groups required to communicate withthe sensor monitor 300.

The OPC layer 418 is in communication with the RS Linx layer 416, anddefines the OPC groups that allow the computer server 400 to retrievethe data records 350 from the sensor monitor 300. The applicationsoftware layer 420 is in communication with the OPC layer 418, andstores the retrieved data records 350 in the measurements database 450.In addition, the application software layer 420 also provides users withan analysis of the physical characteristics of the fibre(s) from theretained data records 350. For instance, the application software layer420 provides an analysis of the denier (mass flow of fibre, expressed ingrams per 9000 metres of fibre), spin finish (residual solvent orcoating on the fibre), bulk (the degree of texturing due to crimp andshrinkage) and evenness (variation in denier) of the fibre(s).

Since slow variations (typically less than 5 Hz) in the peak magnitudeof the sensor current are due primarily to changes in denier or bulk,the application software layer 420 provides an analysis of the denier orbulk by reporting low frequency changes in the peak magnitude of thesensor current. Since slow variations (typically less than 5 Hz) in thephase of the sensor current are due primarily to changes in spin finish,the application software layer 420 provides an analysis of the finishapplied to the fibres by reporting low frequency changes in the phase ofthe sensor current.

As will be explained, the waveform of the current induced in theelectric field sensors 202 a consists of a series of peaks and troughs.Since the size of the variations in the peaks of the sensor currentmeasurements is a good indicator of evenness, the application softwarelayer 420 provides an analysis of evenness by calculating thecoefficient of variation of the current magnitudes at the peaks.

In addition to denier, finish, bulk and evenness, preferably theapplication software layer 420 also provides an analysis of the nodecount (number of interlacing nodes detected per sample period) and nodequality (measure of the compactness of the interlacing nodes) of thefibre(s). Further, the application software layer 420 may provide ananalysis of the number of line breaks and cross-over events for thefibre(s). The mechanism by which these latter characteristics aredetermined will be discussed below with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

As described above, the sensor monitor 300 preferably comprises aprogrammable logic controller, that receives the data packets 250 fromthe sensors 200, and converts into data records 350. However, in onevariation, the sensor monitor 300 comprises an Ethernet-DeviceNetAdaptor that serves a data conduit between the computer server 400 andthe sensor processing units 204. In this variation, theEthernet-DeviceNet Adaptor does not perform any data manipulation, butinstead transmits the data packets 250 received from the sensors 200 tothe computer server 400. Further, the RS Linx layer 416 and the OPClayer 418 are eliminated from the computer server 400; and the first andsecond sliding windows 310, 312 and the noise monitor 314 areimplemented by the computer server 400 instead of the sensor monitor300.

6. Measurements Database

As shown, preferably the measurements database 450 is provided on thecomputer server 400. However, the measurements database 450 may also bemaintained on a separate SQL or ORACLE server that is in communicationwith the computer server 400.

Typically, each bobbin has a bobbin identifier, such as a bar code,marked thereon, that is uniquely associated with the bobbin. When anoperator of the fibre production monitoring system 100 loads an emptybobbin onto one of the bobbin winders, the operator inputs the bobbinidentifier into the application software layer 420 of the computerserver 400, either through a keyboard or code reader device. Theapplication software layer 420 maintains a record associating the bobbinidentifier with the sensor address(es) 368 of the sensor(s) 200 of thethreadline upon which the bobbin will be wound.

The application software layer 420 is configured to save the bobbinidentifier in the measurements database 450, together with theassociated data records 350. As such, the application software layer 420is able to provide an analysis of each of the foregoing parameters(denier, finish, bulk, evenness, node count, node quality, cross-overevents) on a per-bobbin basis, thereby allowing the operator to verifythe quality of each bobbin produced. The application software layer 420is also able to provide an analysis of each of the foregoing parameterson a per-threadline basis. The application software layer 420 can alsogenerate a hardcopy of the analysis, which can accompany the respectivebobbin, thereby allowing the purchaser to verify the quality of thebobbin. Further, since the data records 350 and the associated bobbinidentifiers are stored in the measurements database 450, the applicationsoftware layer 420 is able to provide a historical analysis of each ofthe foregoing characteristics, on a per-threadline basis to therebyidentify possibly failing hardware, and/or on a per-bobbin basis toaccompany a shipment of bobbins.

7. Personal Computer

The personal computer 480 may be implemented as a portable computer or adesktop computer, or even as a handheld communications device, such as awireless portable data assistant. As discussed above, the personalcomputer 480 communicates with the computer server 400 over thecommunications network 110 Typically, the personal computer 480 is usedto render the results of the foregoing forms of analysis. Further, thepersonal computer 480 may be used to control the operation of the fibreproduction monitoring system 100 via the computer server 400.

8. Fibre Production Monitoring System Method of Operation

The method of operation of the fibre production monitoring system 100will now be described generally with reference to FIG. 5, followed by amore detailed discussion with reference to FIG. 6. Thereafter, the nodecount and node quality algorithms will be described with reference toFIGS. 7 a and 7 b. The thread presence algorithm; and the cross-overevents detection algorithm will then be described with reference toFIGS. 8 and 9, respectively.

At step 500, the computer server 400 receives from the sensor(s) 200,the data records 350 over the communications network 104. The datarecords 350 include at least one measurement of a physicalcharacteristic of a fibre as it is drawn past one of the sensors 200.The data records 350 include the sensor addresses 368, therebyidentifying the threadline to which the data record 350 pertains. Atstep 502, the computer server 400 associates the sensor addresses 368with the corresponding bobbin identifiers. Preferably, the computerserver 400 also saves the received data records 350 (and the associatedbobbin identifiers) in the measurements database 450.

Thereafter, at step 504, in response to a request issued by an operatorof the personal computer 480, the computer server 400 generates ananalysis of the data records 350 (either stored in the RAM 404 of thecomputer server 400, or in the measurements database 450). Typically,the computer server 400 generates an analysis of the denier, finish,bulk and/or evenness of the fibre(s). The computer server 400 may alsoprovide an analysis of the node count and/or node quality of thefibre(s). Further, the computer server 400 may provide an analysis ofthe number of line breaks and/or cross-over events for the fibre(s).Preferably, the analysis is rendered on the personal computer 480, on aper-threadline and/or a per-bobbin basis. In other words, the computerserver 400 provides an analysis of one or more of the foregoingcharacteristics for one or more specified threadlines, and/or one ormore specified bobbins. The computer server 400 may provide a historicalanalysis of one or more of the foregoing characteristics, for exampleover a specified period of time on one or more specified threadlines.

Further details of the foregoing method will now be described withreference to FIG. 6. In the foregoing discussion, it should beunderstood that steps 600 to 616 are performed by the sensor processingunit 204 and the sensor monitor 300, and steps 618 to 628 are performedby the computer server 400. Also, steps 600 to 616 are performedconcurrently with steps 618 to 628. Further, steps 600 to 616 and steps618 to 628 are performed repeatedly.

At step 600, the sensor processing units 204 apply the aforementionedcomplementary sinusoidal voltage signals to the associated electricfield sensor(s) 202, and continuously measure the current induced in theassociated electric field sensor(s) 202 as the fibre is drawn past theelectric field sensor(s) 202. Each sensor processing unit 204 measuresthe induced current over a predetermined measurement time span, which istypically 200 ms.

At the end of each time span, each sensor processing unit 204 assemblesa data packet 250 from the measured currents, at step 602. The datapacket 250 includes the series of current magnitude measurements and theseries of current phase measurements, measured over the measurement timespan. As discussed above, the magnitude and phase measurements includedwith the data packet 250 are referenced respectively to the magnitudeand phase of the applied sensor voltage. Thus, the magnitudemeasurements included with the data packet 250 are admittancemeasurements.

In addition to the current magnitude measurements and the current phasemeasurements, each data packet 250 includes a count of the numberinterlacing nodes encountered by the associated electric field sensor202 within the measurement time span, and a measurement of the qualityof those nodes. The node count and node quality algorithms will bedescribed in detail with reference to FIG. 7.

Each data packet 250 also includes a sequence number, and a BIT datumthat identifies the status of the sensor processing unit 204.Preferably, each data packet 250 also includes a measure of thetemperature of the associated electric field sensor 202. As discussedabove, preferably each sensor processing unit 204 low pass filters thecurrent(s) at each electric field sensor 202 a cut-off frequency of 15kHz, and assembles the sensed data stream into data packets every 200ms. Each sensor processing unit 204 continuously performs steps 600 and602.

At step 604, the DeviceNet scanner of the sensor monitor 300 transmitsread commands to the sensor processing units 204, requesting the datapackets 250 from the sensor processing units 204. As discussed above,the DeviceNet scanner sends out the read commands to the sensorprocessing unit 204 at rate slightly faster than once every 200 ms toensure that data from the sensors 200 is not overwritten (and lost) atthe sensor processing unit 204 prior to being transmitted to the sensormonitor 300. At step 606, the DeviceNet scanner receives a data packet250 from the sensor processing unit 204, and stores the received datapacket 250 into the memory of the response buffer 302 based on thelogical sensor address of the sensor 200 from which the data packet 250was generated.

As discussed above, the data packet 250 includes a series of currentmagnitude and phase measurements, a node count, and a measurement of thenode quality of those nodes. Further, the data packet 250 also includesa BIT datum that identifies the status of the sensor processing unit204, a measure of the temperature of the electric field sensor 202, anda sequence number generated by the sensor processing unit 204.

The sensor monitor 300 monitors the status of the response buffer 302,and detects the presence of new data from changes in the sequencenumber. When the sensor monitor 300 detects the presence of a new datapacket 250 in the response buffer 302, the sensor monitor 300 removesthe data packet 250 from the response buffer 302, and creates a datarecord 350 from the removed data packet 250, at step 608. As discussedabove, the data record 350 includes an initial header 352, a magnitudefield 354, a phase field 356, a node count field 358, a node qualityfield 360, a BIT field 362, a thread presence flag 364, a winder statusfield 366, a sensor address field 368, a cross-over event field 370 anda checksum field 372.

At step 610, the sensor monitor 300 stores the data record 350 into thenext available entry in the circular buffer 304. Further, the sensormonitor 300 inserts the sequence number (from the corresponding datapacket 250) at the beginning and end of the data record 350 to allow thesensor monitor 300 to subsequently identify the beginning and end of thedata record 350.

The OPC layer 418 signals the sensor monitor 300 that the computerserver 400 is ready to receive data records 350 by setting the Readyflag 308 in the sensor monitor 300 (at step 618), via the RS Linx layer416. Consequently, at step 612, the sensor monitor 300 monitors thestatus of the Ready flag 308. If the Ready flag 308 is clear, the sensormonitor 300 performs steps 604 to 610 again. However, if the Ready flag308 is set, at step 614 the sensor monitor 300 copies the contents ofthe circular buffer 304 into the copy buffer 306. The sensor monitor 300then clears the Ready flag 308, at step 616.

As discussed above, the OPC layer 418 signals the sensor monitor 300that the computer server 400 is ready to receive data records 350 bysetting the Ready flag 308 in the sensor monitor 300, at step 618.Consequently, the OPC layer 418 monitors the status of the Ready flag308, at step 620 (to determine if the Ready flag 308 has been cleared bythe sensor monitor 300 at step 616). If the OPC layer 418 detects thatthe Ready flag 308 has now been cleared, the RS Linx layer 416 copiesthe data records 350 in the copy buffer 306 to a buffer in the computerserver 400, at step 622.

Typically, the operator of the fibre production monitoring system 100will input into the application software layer 420 one or more parameterlimits for any of the foregoing physical parameters (denier, finish,bulk, evenness, node count, node quality, line breaks, cross-overevents) using the data input device 412. For instance, the operator mayestablish an upper process limit (UP), and a lower process limit (LP)for one or more of these parameters. The operator may establish may alsoestablish an upper control limit (UC), and a lower control limit (LC)for one or more of these parameters. The UP and LP limits respectivelydefine absolute upper and lower limits for the associated parameters.The UC and LC limits respectively define desired upper and lower limitsfor the associated parameters.

Accordingly, upon receipt of the data records 350, the applicationsoftware layer 420 compares the measurements contained therein againstthe defined parameter limits, at step 624. If one of the measurementsdeviates from the range established by the defined parameter limits, atstep 626 the application software layer 420 activates an audible and/orvisual alarm on the computer server 400. Typically, the applicationsoftware layer 420 renders a yellow warning light on the display device410 if one of the measurements deviates outside the range bound by UCand LC, and renders a red warning light on the display device 410 if oneof the measurements deviates outside the range bound by UP and LP.

In one variation, instead of activating an alarm when one of themeasurements deviates from the range established by the definedparameter limits, the application software layer 420 activates an alarmat step 626 when two or more different characteristics of measurementsdeviate from the respective ranges established by the defined parameterlimits. This variation is advantageous if one of the characteristicmeasurements alone is an insufficient indicator of the desired physicalparameter. For instance, typically the magnitude of the induced currentis a good indicator of denier, and the phase of the induced current is agood indicator of finish. However, with some fibres, current magnitudemay not correlate well with denier, and current phase may not correlatewell with finish. Accordingly, to provide a reliable indictor of denier,for example, it may be preferable to monitor both magnitude and phase;or magnitude, phase and node quality; or magnitude, phase and nodequality, for example, and activate an alarm when the specifiedparameters exceed or fall below the associated parameter limits.

Furthermore, in another variation, the application software layer 420activates an alarm at step 626 based on the number of characteristicmeasurements deviating from the respective ranges defined by theparameter limits, and the direction of the deviation. For instance, itmay be advantageous to trigger an alarm at step 626 when one of thecharacteristic measurements exceeds an upper process limit (UP or UC),and another one of the characteristic measurements falls below a lowerprocess limit (LP or LC). Other variations on the foregoing will beapparent.

As discussed above, each data record 350 includes the sensor address 368of the sensor 200 from which the data originated. Further, theapplication software layer 420 maintains a record associating eachbobbin identifier with the sensor address(es) 368 of the sensor(s) 200of the threadline upon which each bobbin will be wound. Accordingly, atstep 628, the application software layer 420 saves the data records 350(and the associated bobbin identifiers) in the measurements database450.

Before the data records 350 are being stored in the measurementsdatabase 450 (or at some time after they are stored), the applicationsoftware layer 420 generates an analysis of the denier of the fibrebeing wound on one or more of the bobbins. Typically, the average valueof the magnitude of the current induced in the electric field sensor 202is a good indicator of denier, and the average value of the phase of thecurrent induced in the electric field sensor 202 is a good indicator offinish. However, as will be explained with reference to FIG. 7 a, thewaveform of the current induced in the electric field sensors 202 aconsists of a series of local maxima (peaks) and local minima (troughs).Accordingly, preferably the computer server 400 provides an analysis ofthe denier by calculating the average value of the current magnitude atthe peaks. Similarly, preferably the computer server 400 provides ananalysis of the finish by calculating the average value of the currentphase at the peaks.

Typically, the variation of the magnitude of the current magnitudes atthe peaks is also a good indicator of evenness. Accordingly, preferablythe computer server 400 provides an analysis of evenness by calculatingthe coefficient of variation of the current magnitudes at the peaks.

9. Node Count and Node Quality Algorithms

The node count and node quality algorithms will now be described withreference to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b. As shown in FIG. 7 a, the magnitude ofthe current induced in the electric field sensor 202 varies periodicallywith time as the fibre is drawn past the electric field sensor 202. Theresulting current waveform consists of a series of cyclic currentvariations comprising a series of local maxima (peaks) and a series oflocal minima (troughs). Each cyclic current variation is caused by themovement of an interlacing node past the electric field sensor 202.

The sensor processing unit 204 monitors the current magnitude, anddetects the peaks and the troughs in the induced current. From the peaksand the troughs, the sensor processing unit 204 determines a physicalproperty of the fibre based on the timing and magnitude of the peaks andtroughs.

Further details of this process will be apparent from FIG. 7 b. Thefollowing discussion assumes that a fibre has been detected at thesensor 200, either via a suitable sensor disposed on the threadline(that is monitored by the sensor monitor 300), or via the threadlinepresence algorithm (described below).

At step 700, the sensor processing unit 204 compares the currentmagnitude level against the average current induced in the electricfield sensor 202. The sensor processing unit 204 calculates the averagecurrent from the peaks and troughs of the induced current, measured overa predetermined period of time.

If the current magnitude level falls with a range of the average currentbound by an upper threshold limit and a lower threshold limit, thesensor processing unit 204 ignores the instant current measurement forthe purposes of node count and node quality calculation. However, if thecurrent magnitude level is greater than the average current by an upperthreshold amount, at step 702 the sensor processing unit 204 classifiesthe current level as a possible peak. Conversely, if the currentmagnitude level is less than the average current by a lower thresholdamount, at step 702 the sensor processing unit 204 classifies thecurrent level as a possible trough.

Thereafter, at step 704, the sensor processing unit 204 compares thecurrent level against the magnitude of the subsequent current level. Ifthe sensor processing unit 204 classified the current level as apossible peak, and this magnitude level is greater than the subsequentcurrent magnitude level, the sensor processing unit 204 continues toclassify the previous magnitude level as a possible peak. Conversely, ifthe sensor processing unit 204 classified the instant current level as apossible trough, and the magnitude of the instant current level is lessthan the magnitude of the subsequent current level, the sensorprocessing unit 204 continues to classify the instant current level as apossible trough. Otherwise, the sensor processing unit 204 ignores theinstant current level for the purposes of node count and node qualitycalculation, at step 706.

At step 708, the sensor processing unit 204 measures the magnitude orheight of the instant current level relative to the magnitude of thelast level identified as an actual peak or trough. Specifically, if thesensor processing unit 204 classified the instant current level as apossible peak, the sensor processing unit 204 compares the magnitude ofthe instant current level against the magnitude of the preceding trough.Conversely, if the sensor processing unit 204 classified the instantcurrent level as a possible trough, the sensor processing unit 204compares the magnitude of the instant current level against themagnitude of the preceding peak. If the magnitude of the instant currentlevel exceeds the magnitude of the preceding peak/trough by a thresholdamount, the sensor processing unit 204 continues to classify the instantcurrent level as a possible peak/trough. Otherwise, the sensorprocessing unit 204 ignores the instant current level for the purposesof node count and node quality calculation, at step 710.

At step 712, the sensor processing unit 204 calculates the time periodbetween the instant current level and the last measurement identified asan actual peak or trough. Subsequently, at step 714, the sensorprocessing unit 204 compares the calculated time period against anaverage time period. If the calculated time period falls with a range ofthe average time period bound by an upper threshold limit and a lowerthreshold limit, at step 715 the sensor processing unit 204 classifiesthe instant current level as an actual peak/trough. Conversely, if thecalculated time period is greater than the average period by the upperthreshold amount, or is less than the average period by the lowerthreshold amount, the sensor processing unit 204 ignores the instantcurrent level for the purposes of node count and node qualitycalculation, at step 716.

If the sensor processing unit 204 classified the instant current levelas an actual peak, at step 718 the sensor processing unit 204 incrementsa counter indicating that a node was detected. At step 720, the sensorprocessing unit 204 determines whether the predetermined measurementtime span has elapsed. As discussed above, typically the predeterminedmeasurement time span is 200 ms. If the predetermined measurement timespan has not yet elapsed, the sensor processing unit 204 performs steps700 to 718 again.

At step 722, the sensor processing unit 204 sets a node count variableequal to the value of the counter. The value of the node count variableis included in the data packet 250 as the node count. As will beapparent, although the sensor processing unit 204 increments the counterat step 718 only if a peak is detected, the sensor processing unit 204may instead increment the counter only if a trough is detected.

By step 722, the sensor processing unit 204 has monitored the inducedcurrent over the complete measurement time span. Accordingly, at step724, the sensor processing unit 204 determines the average of theheights of the peaks over the measurement time span by calculating thesum of those heights, and dividing the sum by the node count (determinedat step 722). The calculated average is included in the data packet 250as the node quality.

10. Thread Presence Algorithm

The thread presence algorithm monitors the output of the electric fieldsensor 202. Based upon the output of the electric field sensor 202, thealgorithm is able to detect the presence of a fibre being drawn past thesensor 200, and is able to detect a break in the fibre. Specifically,the algorithm checks for the presence of a fibre by monitoring for anincrease in one of the magnitude of the average fibre current and thetransient fibre noise, the steady state fibre noise; and the fibre nodecount, as measured by the electric field sensor 202. The algorithm alsochecks for the absence of a fibre by monitoring for a decrease in one ofthe magnitude of the average fibre current and the transient noise, thesteady state fibre noise and the fibre node count, as measured by theelectric field sensor 202. Further details of this process will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 8. Although, in the following example,the sensor monitor 300 monitors the magnitude of the average fibrecurrent, the sensor monitor 300 may instead monitor the phase of theaverage fibre current.

As discussed above, the waveform of the current induced in the electricfield sensor 202 as the fibre is drawn past the electric field sensor202 consists of a series of peaks and a series of troughs. The sensorprocessing unit 204 monitors the current magnitude, and detects thepeaks and the troughs in the induced current from the currentmeasurements.

At step 800, the sensor monitor 300 receives a data packet 250 from oneof the sensors 200. As discussed above, the data packet 250 includes aseries of current magnitude and phase measurements, measured over apredetermined measurement time span. In addition, each data packet 250includes a node count of the number of interlacing nodes encountered bythe associated electric field sensor 202 within the measurement timespan, and a measurement of the node quality of those nodes.

At step 802, the sensor monitor 300 identifies the local peak currentsfrom the magnitude measurements contained in the data packet 250 (inaccordance with steps 700 to 716), and then calculates the averageamplitude for the current over the measurement time span. The sensormonitor 300 then stores the calculated average amplitude for the currentmeasurement time span in the uppermost slot of the first sliding window310, at step 804. The sensor monitor 300 also stores the calculatedaverage amplitude value in the uppermost slot of the noise monitor 314.At step 806, the sensor monitor 300 copies the node count value from thedata packet 250, and stores the node count value in the uppermost slotof the second sliding window 312. As will be apparent, since the slidingwindows 310, 312 and the noise monitor 314 are forms of queues, theinsertion of each new element therein will cause the existing elementsto be shifted down one slot, and the element contained in slot 0 to belost.

At step 808, the sensor monitor 300 calculates the mean value of theaverage current amplitude over the last three measurement time spans (ascontained in slots 22, 23 and 24 of the first sliding window 310), andassigns this value to the variable CURRENT. The sensor monitor 300 alsocalculates the mean value of the average current amplitude over thefirst three measurement time spans (as contained in slots 0, 1 and 2 ofthe first sliding window 310), and assigns this value to the variableBASE. As will be apparent, the number of slots involved in thesecalculations need not be three, but can be varied as the volatility ofthe data requires. Also, the time separation between the CURRENT andBASE samples can be varied to take into account the mechanical noise inthe threadlines, such as by altering the size of the first slidingwindow 310.

At step 810, the sensor monitor 300 calculates the difference betweenthe value of the CURRENT variable and the BASE variable. The sensormonitor 300 then compares the difference (CURRENT−BASE) against athreshold minimum difference (e.g. +300), at step 812. If the difference(CURRENT−BASE) is greater than the threshold minimum difference, at step814 the sensor monitor 300 calculates the sum of the absolute values ofthe changes in the average current amplitude values over the last fivemeasurement time spans (from the values contained in slots 19, 20, 21,22, 23 and 24 of the noise monitor 314), and assigns this value to thevariable NOISE_(tran). Since this calculation only involves anassessment of the last five measurement time spans, the variableNOISE_(tran) represents the transient noise measured by the electricfield sensor 202 as the fibre moves past the sensor 200. As will beapparent, the number of slots involved in this calculation can be variedas the volatility of the data requires.

At step 815, the sensor monitor 300 compares the value of theNOISE_(tran) variable against a threshold minimum transient noise. Ifthe NOISE_(tran) variable exceeds the threshold minimum transient noise,at step 816 the algorithm considers a fibre to be present at the sensor200, and sets the thread presence flag 364 accordingly. The sensormonitor 300 then begins to check for a break in the fibre, at step 826.

In parallel with steps 808 to 816, the sensor monitor 300 uses ameasurement of the steady state fibre noise to detect the presence of afibre at the sensor 200. According to this parallel process, the sensormonitor 300 calculates the sum of the absolute values of the changes inthe average current amplitude values over the entire fifty measurementtime spans of the noise monitor 314, and assigns this value to thevariable NOISE_(steady) at step 817. Since this calculation involves anassessment of the entire noise monitor 314, the variable NOISE_(steady)represents the steady state noise measured by the electric field sensor202 as the fibre moves past the sensor 200.

At step 818, the sensor monitor 300 compares the value of theNOISE_(steady) variable against a threshold minimum steady state noise.If the NOISE_(steady) variable exceeds the threshold minimum steadystate noise, at step 819 the algorithm considers a fibre to be presentat the sensor 200, and sets the thread presence flag 364 accordingly.The sensor monitor 300 then begins to check for a break in the fibre, atstep 826.

If the NOISE_(tran) variable does not exceed the threshold minimumtransient noise (e.g. 20), or if the difference (CURRENT−BASE) is notgreater than the threshold minimum difference, or if the NOISE_(steady)variable does not exceed the threshold minimum steady state noise, atstep 820 the sensor monitor 300 calculates the sum of the node countsover the last three measurement time spans (as contained in slots 22, 23and 24 of the second sliding window 312), and assigns this value to thevariable NODE. As discussed above, the number of slots involved in thiscalculation need not be three, but can be varied as the volatility ofthe data requires.

At step 822, the sensor monitor 300 compares the value of the NODEvariable against a threshold minimum count. If the NODE variable doesnot exceed the threshold minimum count (e.g. 100), the algorithmconsiders a fibre to not be present at the sensor 200, and returns tostep 800.

However, if the NODE variable exceeds the threshold minimum count, atstep 824 the algorithm considers a fibre to be present at the sensor200, and sets the thread presence flag 364 accordingly. The sensormonitor 300 then begins to check for a break in the fibre, at step 826.

11. Thread Break Algorithm

To check for a break in the fibre, at step 826 the sensor monitor 300calculates the mean value of the average current amplitude over the lastthree measurement time spans (as contained in slots 22, 23 and 24 of thefirst sliding window 310), and assigns this value to the variableCURRENT. The sensor monitor 300 also calculates the mean value of theaverage current amplitude over the first three measurement time spans(as contained in slots 0, 1 and 2 of the first sliding window 310), andassigns this value to the variable BASE. As discussed above, the numberof slots involved in these calculations need not be three, but can bevaried as the volatility of the data requires. Also, the time separationbetween the CURRENT and BASE samples can be varied to take into accountthe mechanical noise in the threadlines, such as by altering the size ofthe first sliding window 310.

At step 828, the sensor monitor 300 calculates the difference betweenthe value of the CURRENT variable and the BASE variable, at step 828. Ifthe difference (CURRENT−BASE) is less than a threshold minimumdifference (e.g. −300), at step 830 the sensor monitor 300 sets a MAGFLAG (thereby warning of a possible line break), and increments a MAGcounter; the algorithm then advances to step 834. Otherwise, the sensormonitor 300 clears the MAG FLAG, at step 832.

At step 834, the sensor monitor 300 calculates the sum of the nodecounts over the last three measurement time spans (as contained in slots22, 23 and 24 of the second sliding window 312), and assigns this valueto the variable NODE. As discussed above, the number of slots involvedin this calculation need not be three, but can be varied as thevolatility of the data requires.

At step 836, the sensor monitor 300 compares the value of the NODEvariable against a threshold minimum count. If the NODE variable is lessthan the threshold minimum count (e.g. 100), at step 838 the sensormonitor 300 sets a NODE FLAG (thereby warning of a possible line break),and increments a NODE counter; the algorithm then advances to step 842.Otherwise, at step 840, the sensor monitor 300 clears the NODE FLAG.

At step 842, the sensor monitor 300 determines whether the MAG FLAG isset. If the MAG FLAG is clear (i.e. there has been no significant dropin sensor current magnitude), at step 844 the sensor monitor 300determines whether the MAG counter is greater than zero. If the MAGcounter is greater than zero (i.e. the MAG FLAG was previouslytriggered), the algorithm assumes there was only a temporary failure.Accordingly, at step 846 the sensor monitor 300 resets the MAG counterand the NODE counter, and clears the NODE FLAG and the NOISE FLAG. Thealgorithm then returns to step 826, to continue monitoring for a breakin the fibre.

Alternately, if the sensor monitor 300 determines at step 844 that theMAG counter is not greater than zero (i.e. the MAG FLAG was notpreviously triggered), at step 848 the sensor monitor 300 determineswhether the NODE FLAG is set. If the NODE FLAG is clear (i.e. there wasno significant absence of interlacing nodes), at step 850 the sensormonitor 300 determines whether the NODE counter is greater than zero. Ifthe NODE counter is greater than zero (i.e. the NODE FLAG was previouslytriggered), the algorithm assumes that there was a temporary failure,such as a temporary interlace jet failure. Accordingly, at step 852 thesensor monitor 300 resets the NODE counter and clears the NOISE FLAG.The algorithm then returns to step 826, to continue monitoring for abreak in the fibre. However, if the NODE counter is not greater thanzero (i.e. the NODE FLAG was not previously triggered), the algorithmreturns to step 826 without clearing the NOISE FLAG or resetting theNODE counter.

If, at step 848, the sensor monitor 300 determines that the NODE FLAG isset (i.e. a possible line break due to insufficient node count), at step854 the sensor monitor 300 determines whether the NODE counter isgreater than a predetermined minimum node count value (e.g. 35). If theNODE counter is greater than the minimum node count value, the algorithmassumes that the fibre is still present, since the MAG FLAG has not beenset for the predetermined minimum node count value. Accordingly, at step856 the sensor monitor 300 clears the NODE FLAG and the NOISE FLAG, andresets the NODE counter. The algorithm then returns to step 826 tocontinue monitoring for a break in the fibre. However, if the NODEcounter is not greater than the predetermined minimum node count value,the algorithm returns to step 826 without clearing the NODE FLAG or theNOISE FLAG, or resetting the NODE counter.

On the other hand, if, at step 842, the sensor monitor 300 determinesthat the MAG FLAG is set (i.e. there has been a significant drop insensor current magnitude), at step 858 the sensor monitor 300 determineswhether the NODE FLAG is set. If the NODE FLAG is clear (i.e. there wasno significant absence of interlacing nodes), at step 860 the sensormonitor 300 determines whether the MAG counter is greater than apredetermined minimum current amplitude count value (e.g. 35). If theMAG counter is greater than the minimum current amplitude count value,the algorithm assumes that the fibre is still present, since the NODEFLAG has not been set for the predetermined minimum current amplitudecount value. Accordingly, at step 862 the sensor monitor 300 clears theMAG FLAG, the NODE FLAG and the NOISE FLAG, and resets the MAG counterand the NODE counter. The algorithm then returns to step 826 to continuemonitoring for a break in the fibre. However, if the MAG counter is notgreater than the minimum current amplitude count value, the algorithmreturns to step 826 without clearing the MAG FLAG, the NODE FLAG and theNOISE FLAG, or resetting the MAG counter and the NODE counter.

Alternately, if the sensor monitor 300 determines at step 858 that theNODE FLAG is set, (i.e. there was a significant absence of interlacingnodes), at step 864 the sensor monitor 300 calculates the sum of theabsolute values of the changes in the average current amplitude valuesover the last five measurement time spans (from the values contained inslots 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the noise monitor 314), and assignsthis value to the variable NOISE_(tran). As will be apparent, the numberof slots involved in this calculation can be varied as the volatility ofthe data requires.

The sensor monitor 300 then compares the value of the NOISE_(tran)variable against a threshold minimum noise, at step 866. If theNOISE_(tran) variable is not less than the threshold minimum noise (e.g.20), the algorithm considers a fibre to still be present at the sensor200 (but may be slowly breaking), and returns to step 826 to continuemonitoring for a complete break in the fibre.

However, if the NOISE_(tran) variable is less than the threshold minimumnoise, the algorithm determines whether the NOISE_(tran) variable wasless than the threshold minimum noise in a previous iteration.Accordingly, at step 870, the sensor monitor 300 determines whether theNOISE FLAG is set. If the NOISE FLAG is clear (i.e. there was nosignificant absence of transient noise in the preceding loop iteration),at step 872 the sensor monitor 300 sets the NOISE FLAG. The algorithmthen returns to step 826 to continue monitoring for a break in thefibre.

If the sensor monitor 300 determined at step 870 that the NOISE FLAG isset (i.e. there was a significant absence of transient noise in thepreceding loop iteration), the algorithm assumes that the fibre hasbroken. Accordingly, at step 874, the sensor monitor 300 clears thethread presence flag 364 to record the break in the fibre at the sensor200. The sensor monitor 300 also clears the MAG FLAG, the NODE FLAG andthe NOISE FLAG, and resets the MAG counter and the NODE counter. Thealgorithm then returns to step 800.

In parallel with steps 826 to 872, the sensor monitor 300 uses ameasurement of the steady state fibre noise to detect a break in thefibre at the sensor 200. According to this parallel process, the sensormonitor 300 calculates the sum of the absolute values of the changes inthe average current amplitude values over the entire fifty measurementtime spans of the noise monitor 314, and assigns this value to thevariable NOISE_(steady) at step 876.

At step 878, the sensor monitor 300 compares the value of theNOISE_(steady) variable against a threshold minimum steady state noise.If the NOISE_(steady) variable does not exceed the threshold minimumsteady state noise, the algorithm considers the fibre to have broken.Accordingly, as above, at step 874 the sensor monitor 300 clears thethread presence flag 364 to record the break in the fibre at the sensor200. The algorithm then returns to step 800.

12. Cross-Over Event Detection Algorithm

The cross-over event detection algorithm monitors the output of theelectric field sensors 202 on a number of different threadlines, eachthreadline carrying a multi-filament fibre. From a change in theamplitude of a current signal induced in the electric field sensors aseach fibre is drawn past the respective electric field sensor, thealgorithm is able to detect the presence of a filament from one of thethreadlines in the fibre of another one of the threadlines, i.e. thatone of more filaments from the fibre on one of the threadlines hasjumped or crossed-over to the fibre on another one of the threadlines.The cross-over event detection algorithm will now be discussed ingeneral terms, followed by a more detailed discussion with reference toFIG. 9. Although, in the following example, the sensor monitor 300monitors the magnitude of the average fibre current for each threadline,the sensor monitor 300 may instead monitor the phase of the averagefibre current, node count or node quality for each threadline.

The sensor monitor 300 maintains a sliding window for each threadline.Each sliding window comprises a series of measurements of the amplitudeof the current for the associated threadline. The sliding window is aform of queue that provides a snapshot of the activity at eachthreadline over a predetermined period of time. Thus, the insertion ofeach new amplitude value into each sliding window causes the existingelements in the sliding window to be shifted down one slot, and theelement contained in the lowermost slot to be lost. Alternately, a blockof new amplitude values can be inserted into the sliding window, inwhich case the existing elements in the sliding window would be blockshifted downwards.

The sensor monitor 300 calculates for each threadline the averagemagnitude of the current at the lagging part of the respective slidingwindow. The sensor monitor 300 then assigns each calculated averageamplitude value to a respective variable BASE (not the same variable asdescribed above with reference to the thread presence algorithm) foreach threadline Thus, in a two threadline fibre production system(having threadlines A and B), the sensor monitor 300 assigns thecalculated average current amplitude for threadline A to the variableBASE_(A), and the calculated average current amplitude for threadline Bto the variable BASE_(B).

The sensor monitor 300 also calculates for each threadline the averagemagnitude of the current at the leading part of the respective slidingwindow. The sensor monitor 300 then assigns each of these lattercalculated average amplitude values to a respective variable CURRENT(not the same variable as described above with reference to the threadpresence algorithm) for each threadline Thus, in a two threadline fibreproduction system (having threadlines A and B), the sensor monitor 300assigns the average current amplitude for threadline A to the variableCURRENT_(A), and the average current amplitude for threadline B to thevariable CURRENT_(B).

A fibre is said to have crossed over from one threadline to the otherthreadline (a cross-over event) if, for example, the value ofCURRENT_(A) exceeds the value of BASE_(A), and the value of BASE_(B)exceeds the value of CURRENT_(B). The cross-over event has beencorrected (either self-corrected or manually corrected) if, subsequentto the occurrence of a cross-over event, the value of CURRENT_(A)substantially returns to the value of BASE_(A), and the value ofCURRENT_(B) substantially returns to the value of BASE_(B). The sensormonitor 300 is configured to continuously update the value of the BASEvariables until a cross-over event is detected. However, in order toidentify when the cross-over event has been corrected, the sensormonitor 300 maintains the value of the BASE variables (once a cross-overevent has been detected) until the value of the CURRENT variablessubstantially returns to that of the BASE variables prior to thecross-over event.

The sensor monitor 300 uses the HOLD BASE REFERENCE flag to maintain anhistorical record of the BASE values that existed prior to the detectionof a cross-over event of a line break event. This allows representationof the fiber production process under desired operating conditions topersist across these two events scenarios. If the HOLD BASE REFERENCEflag is clear (no cross-over event or line break has occurred), thesensor monitor 300 updates the value of the BASE variables. If the HOLDBASE REFERENCE flag is set (a cross-over event or line break hasoccurred), the sensor monitor 300 retains a copy of the BASE variablevalues, until the cross-over event or line break has been correctedand/or until the String up of the process fiber is successful.Monitoring for cross-over events persists even while the HOLD BASEREFERENCE flag is set.

Further details of this process will be described with reference to FIG.9. As discussed above, the waveform of the current induced in theelectric field sensor 202 as the fibre is drawn past the electric fieldsensor 202 consists of a series of peaks and a series of troughs. Thesensor processing unit 204 monitors the current magnitude, and detectsthe peaks and the troughs in the induced current from the currentmeasurements. The sensor monitor 300 receives data packets 250 from anumber of the sensors 200. Each data packet 250 includes a series ofcurrent magnitude and phase measurements, measured over a predeterminedmeasurement time span. In addition, each data packet 250 includes a nodecount of the number of interlacing nodes encountered by the associatedelectric field sensor 202 within the measurement time span, and ameasurement of the node quality of those nodes.

Accordingly, at step 900 the sensor monitor 300 identifies the localpeak current values for each threadline from the magnitude measurementscontained in each data packet 250 (in accordance with steps 700 to 716),and then calculates for each threadline the average amplitude for thecurrent over each measurement time span. The sensor monitor 300 thensaves each amplitude value in the respective sliding window. Preferably,each sliding window has 2100 slots (slots 0 to 2099) for saving 2100such amplitude values. However, the number of slots need not be 2100,but can be varied as the volatility of the data requires.

At step 902, the sensor monitor 300 calculates for each threadline theaverage magnitude of the current at the leading part of the respectivesliding window. Preferably, the sensor monitor 300 considers the last100 current amplitude values in each sliding window. Thus, the sensormonitor 300 adds the current amplitudes in slots 2000 to 2099 for eachthreadline, and then divides each sum by the number of measurements(100). The sensor monitor 300 then assigns each of these lattercalculated average amplitude values to the respective variable CURRENTfor each threadline Thus, in a two threadline fibre production system(having threadlines A and B), the sensor monitor 300 assigns the averagecurrent amplitude for threadline A (calculated from slots 2000 to 2099)to the variable CURRENT_(A), and the average current amplitude forthreadline B (calculated from slots 2000 to 2099) to the variableCURRENT_(B).

At step 904, the sensor monitor 300 calculates the change in amplitudeof the average current amplitude values for each threadline, at step908, and assigns each calculated change value to a respective variableΔ. Thus, in a two threadline fibre production system (having threadlinesA and B), the sensor monitor 300 calculates the difference betweenCURRENT_(A) and BASE_(A), and assigns that value to the variable Δ_(A);and calculates the difference between CURRENT_(B) and BASE_(B), andassigns that value to the variable Δ_(B).

At step 906, the sensor monitor 300 inserts in the cross-over eventfield 370 of the data record 350 the calculated change values (e.g.Δ_(A), Δ_(B)) for each threadline, together with the sensor address ofthe sensor associated with each change value. The computer server 400uses the change values included with the data record 350 to indicate tothe operator of the computer server 400 the presence of a cross-overevent, and the threadlines involved in the cross-over event.

At step 908, the sensor monitor 300 calculates for each threadline theaverage magnitude of the current at the leading part of the respectivesliding window. Preferably, the sensor monitor 300 considers the first200 current amplitude values in each sliding window. Thus, the sensormonitor 300 adds the current amplitudes in slots 0 to 199 for eachthreadline, and then divides each sum by the number of measurements(200). The sensor monitor 300 then assigns each new calculated averageamplitude value to a new respective variable NEWBASE for each threadlineThus, in a two threadline fibre production system (having threadlines Aand B), the sensor monitor 300 assigns the new calculated averagecurrent amplitude for threadline A (calculated from slots 0 to 199) tothe variable NEWBASE_(A), and the new calculated average currentamplitude for threadline B (calculated from slots 0 to 199) to thevariable NEWBASE_(B).

At step 910, the sensor monitor 300 focuses on the direction of thecalculated change values (e.g. Δ_(A), Δ_(B)) for each threadline. Thisstep is referred to as a “self-term or in-line check”. If the calculatedchange value for one of the threadlines is positive and the calculatedchange value for another one of the threadlines is negative, thealgorithm assumes that a filament from the fibre on the threadlinehaving the negative change value has jumped or crossed over to the fibreon the threadline having the positive change value. Accordingly, at step912, the sensor monitor 300 sets the HOLD BASE REFERENCE flag, therebyindicating that the BASE variables should be saved until the cross-overevent has been corrected.

At step 914, the sensor monitor 300 determines whether the HOLD BASEREFERENCE flag was set. If the HOLD BASE REFERENCE flag was not set, foreach threadline the sensor monitor 300 assigns the value of the variableNEWBASE to the corresponding variable BASE, at step 916. The algorithmthen returns to step 900.

However, if the HOLD BASE REFERENCE flag was set, the algorithmdetermines whether the cross-over event or line break has beencorrected. Thus, for each threadline, the sensor monitor 300 comparesthe value of each NEWBASE variable against the value of thecorresponding BASE variable, at step 918. If the absolute value of thedifference between each variable pair is not greater than apredetermined threshold amount, the algorithm assumes the cross-overevent or line break has been corrected. Accordingly, at step 920 thesensor monitor 300 clears the HOLD BASE REFERENCE flag, and for eachthreadline assigns the value of the variable NEWBASE to thecorresponding variable BASE. The algorithm then returns to step 900.

If the sensor monitor 300 determines at step 918 that the absolute valueof the difference between the value of any NEWBASE variable and thevalue of the corresponding BASE variable is greater than the thresholdamount, the cross-over event or line break may have been manuallycorrected. However, the difference in temperature of the sensors 200 onthe threadlines where the cross-over event or line break occurredbetween the instant the cross-over event or line break occurred and theinstant the cross-over event or line break was corrected may haveprevented the value of the NEWBASE variable from being within toleranceof the BASE variable (at step 918). Alternately, the electric fieldsensors 202 on the threadlines where the cross-over event or line breakoccurred may have been cleaned between the instant the cross-over eventor line break occurred and the instant the cross-over event or linebreak was corrected, thereby preventing the value of the NEWBASEvariable from being within tolerance of the BASE variable (at step 918).

Accordingly, to determine whether the cross-over event or line break hasbeen manually corrected, at step 922 for each pair of threadlines thesensor monitor 300 calculates the difference in values of the BASEvariables, and the difference in values of the CURRENT variables, andassigns each calculated difference to a respective variable ε. Thus, ina two threadline fibre production system (having threadlines A and B),the sensor monitor 300 calculates the difference between BASE_(A) andBASE_(B), and assigns that value to the variable ε₁; and calculates thedifference between CURRENT_(A) and CURRENT_(B), and assigns that valueto the variable ε₂.

Then, at step 924, the sensor monitor 300 compares, for each threadlinepair, the value of each BASE difference (e.g. ε_(l)) against the valueof each CURRENT difference (ε₂). This step is referred to as a“cross-term check”. If the difference between the two differences (e.g.ε₁−ε₂) is greater than a predetermined threshold amount, the algorithmassumes the cross-over event or line break has not been manuallycorrected. Accordingly, the algorithm returns to step 900. However, ifthe difference calculated at step 924 is not greater than apredetermined threshold amount, the algorithm assumes the cross-overevent or line break has been manually corrected. Accordingly, at step926 the sensor monitor 300 clears the HOLD BASE REFERENCE flag, and foreach threadline assigns the value of the variable NEWBASE to thecorresponding variable BASE. The algorithm then returns to step 900.

The present invention is defined by the claims appended hereto, with theforegoing description provided a preferred embodiment of the invention.Those of ordinary skill may envisage certain modifications to theclaimed invention which, although not explicitly suggested herein, donot depart from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appendedclaims.

1. An electric field sensor comprising: an insulating substrate; aplurality of non-contacting electrodes disposed on the substrate, theelectrodes comprising a first electrode portion and a second electrodeportion interlaced with the first electrode portion; and a plurality ofconductors coupled to the electrodes and extending transversely throughthe substrate, wherein the conductors comprise a first conductor portionand a second conductor portion, the first portion of the conductors arecoupled to the first electrode portion, and the second portion of theconductors are coupled to the second electrode portion.
 2. The electricfield sensor according to claim 1, wherein the electrodes are disposedparallel to each other on the substrate, and the conductors comprisevias that extend at a right angle to the electrodes.
 3. The electricfield sensor according to claim 2, further including an insulatordisposed over the electrodes.
 4. The electric field sensor according toclaim 3, wherein the insulator comprises one of ceramic and glass. 5.The electric field sensor according to claim 4, wherein the ceramiccomprises alumina.